13 September 1859

13th. A very dull morning with a strong steady breeze (too much ahead). Doing well. Light rain fell nearly all day. In the afternoon it was said we were fast approaching Van Deiman's Land and as a rock stands out at some distance in the sea, a strict look out was kept for it was intended to sight this island but the wind blowing strongly from the shore kept us (it is said) about 20 miles further to sea than as intended (no doubt providential). Some passengers sat up all night thinking to get a sight of land but were disappointed. Had the wind been in the opposite direction bearing us to instead of from the shore it is just possible we might have seen too much of it.

Booth, Thomas. Papers, 1857 - 1859. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 2002/56.